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Muhammad Asad   
aforetime, as a guidance unto mankind, and it is He who has bestowed [upon man] the standard by which to discern the true from the false. Behold, as for those who are bent on denying God's messages - grievous suffering awaits them: for God is almighty, an avenger of evil
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
previously, as a guide for people, and ˹also˺ revealed the Standard ˹to distinguish between right and wrong˺. Surely those who reject Allah’s revelations will suffer a severe torment. For Allah is Almighty, capable of punishment.
Safi Kaskas   
beforehand as guidance to people, and He revealed the Standard by which we judge right from wrong. Those who do not believe God's signs will have severe punishment. God is Almighty and capable of revenge.

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
مِن قَبۡلُ هُدࣰى لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَنزَلَ ٱلۡفُرۡقَانَۗ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِینَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِءَایَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ لَهُمۡ عَذَابࣱ شَدِیدࣱۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِیزࣱ ذُو ٱنتِقَامٍ ۝٤
Transliteration (2021)   
min qablu hudan lilnnāsi wa-anzala l-fur'qāna inna alladhīna kafarū biāyāti l-lahi lahum ʿadhābun shadīdun wal-lahu ʿazīzun dhū intiqāmi
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
(this), before (as) guidance for the mankind. And (He) revealed the Criterion. Verily, those who disbelieve[d] in (the) Verses Allah, for them (is) a punishment severe. And Allah (is) All-Mighty, All-Able (of) retribution.

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
aforetime, as a guidance unto mankind, and it is He who has bestowed [upon man] the standard by which to discern the true from the false. Behold, as for those who are bent on denying God's messages - grievous suffering awaits them: for God is almighty, an avenger of evil
M. M. Pickthall   
Aforetime, for a guidance to mankind; and hath revealed the Criterion (of right and wrong). Lo! those who disbelieve the revelations of Allah, theirs will be a heavy doom. Allah is Mighty, Able to Requite (the wrong)
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong). Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
previously, as a guide for people, and ˹also˺ revealed the Standard ˹to distinguish between right and wrong˺. Surely those who reject Allah’s revelations will suffer a severe torment. For Allah is Almighty, capable of punishment.
Safi Kaskas   
beforehand as guidance to people, and He revealed the Standard by which we judge right from wrong. Those who do not believe God's signs will have severe punishment. God is Almighty and capable of revenge.
Wahiduddin Khan   
in the past as guidance for mankind; He has [also] sent down the Standard by which to discern the true from the false. Surely those who deny God's signs will suffer severe punishment. God is mighty and capable of retribution
Shakir   
Surely they who disbelieve in the communications of Allah they shall have a severe chastisement; and Allah is Mighty, the Lord of retribution
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
before this as a guidance for humanity. And He caused to descend the Criterion between right and wrong. Truly, those who were ungrateful for the signs of God, for them is a severe punishment. And God is Almighty, Possessor of Requital.
T.B.Irving   
in the past as guidance for mankind; He has (also) sent down the Standard. Those who disbelieve in God´s signs will have severe torment- God is Powerful, the Master of Retribution!
Abdul Hye   
before as a guidance for mankind. And He sent down Al-Furqan (the criterion to judge between right and wrong (this Qur’an)). Surely, those who disbelieve in the Verses of Allah, for them there is a severe punishment; and Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of retribution.
The Study Quran   
aforetime, as a guidance to mankind. And He sent down the Criterion. Truly those who disbelieve in the signs of God shall have a severe punishment. And God is Mighty, Possessor of Vengeance
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
Aforetime, as guidance for humanity. And He revealed the Criterion. Those who deny God’s revelations will face harsh punishment. God is Mighty, the Avenger.
Talal Itani (2012)   
Aforetime, as guidance for mankind; and He sent down the Criterion. Those who have rejected God's signs will have a severe punishment. God is Mighty, Able to take revenge
Dr. Kamal Omar   
— even before (acting as) guidance to mankind, and He delivered Al-Furqan. Truly, those who have disbelieved in the Ayaatillah, for them is a severe punishment. And Allah is All-Mighty, One Who takes retribution
M. Farook Malik   
before this, as a guidance for mankind and also revealed this Al-Furqan (criterion for judgment between right and wrong). Surely those who reject Allah’s revelations will be sternly punished; Allah is Mighty, capable of retribution
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
Earlier, as guidance to mankind, and He sent down the all-distinctive Criterion. Surely (the ones) who have disbelieved in the signs of Allah will have a strict torment, and Allah is Ever-Mighty, Owner of vengeance
Muhammad Sarwar   
before as a guide for the people and now He has revealed the criteria of discerning right from wrong. Those who reject the revelations of God will face the most severe torment. God is Majestic and capable to revenge
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
earlier to give guidance to mankind, and has sent down the Furqan (the Criterion of right and wrong). Surely, those who have rejected the verses of Allah, for them there is severe punishment. Allah is Mighty, the Lord of Retribution
Shabbir Ahmed   
He has sent down guidance for mankind before, and now He has sent the Final Criterion between the right and the wrong. Those who reject the Revelations of Allah, theirs will be a strict retribution. Allah Almighty's Law of Requital carries all things and actions to their destination
Dr. Munir Munshey   
In the past, as guidance for mankind! (Now) He has revealed the criterion (to discern the truth). For those who reject the signs of Allah, there exists the severest (most awful) torment. Allah is the most Powerful; (He is) the Lord of Revenge
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
Before this (Quran, as the guide to Mankind) He (Allah) sent down the basis (of judgment between right and wrong) then those who reject Faith in the Sign of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Supreme in Might (Al-Aziz), Lord of due Penalties (and Rewards)
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
Before, as guidance for the people. And He revealed the Qur'an. Indeed, those who disbelieve in the verses of Allah will have a severe punishment, and Allah is exalted in Might, the Owner of Retribution
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
From before as a guidance for the people, and He sent down the Criterion. Those who rejected God's revelations, they will have a painful retribution, and God is Noble, extracting in Revenge
Abdel Haleem   
earlier as a guide for people and He has sent down the distinction [between right and wrong]. Those who deny God’s revelations will suffer severe torment: God is almighty and capable of retribution
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
Aforetime, for a guidance unto the people, and sent down the criterion. Verily those who disbelieve in the signs of Allah Unto them shall be torment severe. And Allah is Mighty, Lord of Retribution
Ahmed Ali   
Before this as guidance for men, and has sent the criterion (of falsehood and truth). As for those who deny the signs of God, the punishment is severe; for God is all powerful and great His requital
Aisha Bewley   
previously, as guidance for mankind, and He has sent down the Furqan.
Ali Ünal   
In time past, as guidance for the people; and He has sent down the Criterion to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and the knowledge, and power of judgment to put it into effect. Those who disbelieve in the Revelations of God, for them is a severe punishment. God is All-Glorious with irresistible might, Ever-Able to Requite
Ali Quli Qara'i   
before as guidance for mankind, and He has sent down the Criterion. Indeed those who defy the signs of Allah, there is a severe punishment for them; and Allah is all-mighty, avenger
Hamid S. Aziz   
Verily, those who disbelieve in the signs of Allah, for them is a severe penalty, for Allah is Mighty and Avenging
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
in the past as a guide for the people, and He sent down the criterion. Indeed, those who disbelieve in God’s signs will have a severe punishment. God is powerful and revengeful.
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
Then those who reject the signs of God will suffer the severest penalty, and God is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution
Musharraf Hussain   
before that as a guidance for people, and He sent the criterion for distinguishing right from wrong. Those who deny Allah’s verses will be severely punished. Allah is the Almighty, the Avenger.
Maududi   
for the guidance of mankind; and He has also revealed the Criterion (to distinguish truth from falsehood). A severe chastisement lies in store for those who deny the signs of Allah. Allah is All-Mighty; He is the Lord of Retribution
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
From before as a guidance for the people, and He sent down the Criterion. Those who rejected the revelations of God, they will have a severe retribution, and God is Noble, exacting in Revenge.
Mohammad Shafi   
Earlier, as guidance for mankind. And He bestowed the Criterion. Indeed for those who reject Allah's Verses, there shall be stern punishment. And Allah is Omnipotent and has the power to give a fitting retribution

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
A for time guiding the people and sent down the criterion; No doubt, for those who denied the Signs of Allah is the severe torment and Allah the Mighty, is Possessor of the power of retribution.
Rashad Khalifa   
before that, to guide the people, and He sent down the statute book. Those who disbelieve in GOD's revelations incur severe retribution. GOD is Almighty, Avenger.
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
before, as a guidance for people, and He sent down the Criterion. As for those who disbelieve in the verses of Allah, for them is an intense punishment. Allah is Mighty, Owner of Vengeance
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
Aforetime, a guidance for the people, and He sent the Discrimination. Those who disbelieve in the messages of Allah -- for them is a severe chastisement. And Allah is Mighty, the Lord of retribution
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
From before guidance to the people, and He descended the Separator of Right and Wrong/Koran , that those who disbelieved with God's verses , for them (is) a strong (severe) torture, and God (is) glorious/mighty , (owner) of a revenge/punishment
Bijan Moeinian   
Before that, God gave Torah (to Moses) and the Gospel (to Jesus) to serve as a guidance for mankind and revealed the criterion [to distinguish between right and wrong]. Those who disbelieve in God’s revelations will suffer a severe punishment as God is Almighty and avenger of wickedness
Faridul Haque   
Before this, a guidance to mankind; and sent down the Judgement (Criterion to judge between right and wrong); indeed for those who disbelieved in the verses of Allah, is a severe punishment; and Allah is the Almighty, the Avenger (of the wrong)
Sher Ali   
Surely, those who deny the Signs of ALLAH, shall have a severe punishment. And ALLAH is Mighty, Lord of Retribution
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
(As the Books were revealed) before this to guide the people, He has (now, in like manner,) revealed (the Qur’an,) the criterion to distinguish right from wrong. Verily, those who deny Allah’s Revelations, for them is rigorous punishment. And Allah is Almighty, the Lord of Retribution
Amatul Rahman Omar   
Before this, as a guidance of the people. And He has revealed (the Qur'an as) the Criterion of judgment (between truth and falsehood). Those who deny the revelations of Allah there surely awaits them a severe punishment. Mighty is Allah, the Lord of Retribution
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
Aforetime, as a guidance to mankind, And He sent down the criterion (of judgement between right and wrong (this Quran)). Truly, those who disbelieve in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, for them there is a severe torment; and Allah is All-Mighty, All-Able of Retribution

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
aforetime, as guidance to the people, and He sent down the Salvation. As for those who disbelieve in God's signs, for them awaits a terrible chastisement; God is All-mighty, Vengeful
George Sale   
a direction unto men; and he had also sent down the distinction between good and evil. Verily those who believe not the signs of God, shall suffer a grievous punishment; for God is mighty, able to revenge
Edward Henry Palmer   
before for the guidance of men, and has revealed the Discrimination. Verily, those who disbelieve in the signs of God, for them is severe torment, for God is mighty and avenging
John Medows Rodwell   
as man's Guidance; and now hath He sent down the "Illumination." (Furkan.) Verily for those who believe not in the signs of God, is a severe chastisement! And God is Mighty, the Avenger
N J Dawood (2014)   
for the guidance of mankind, and revealed Salvation.¹ Those that deny God‘s revelations shall be sternly punished; God is mighty and capable of revenge.

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
Aforetime as guidance for the mankind and He sent down the criterion. Truly those who disbelieve in the signs of Allah, for them there will be a formidable punishment and Allah is All-mighty, Master of retribution.
Munir Mezyed   
Aforetime as the True Source of Enlightenment for the people. He also revealed the Criterion. Verily, those who persistently refuse to give credence to the Revelation Knowledge which Allâh has revealed will be subjected to an extremely severe punishment (in the Hereafter). Lo! Allâh is Almighty, the Lord of Retribution.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
An earlier guidance for mankind, and He revealed the distinction (between right and wrong). For those who reject the signs of Allah there is severe punishment, and Allah is mighty and vengeful.
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
previously, as guidance for mankind, and He sent down the Criterion. Indeed, for those who have denied Allah’s signs is a severe punishment, for Allah is Almighty, Capable of vengeance.
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
…[He bestowed Scriptures] before this as a guide to humanity. He bestowed the criterion [ie, the differentiation between right and wrong]. Truly, those who won’t believe in the signs of Allah will suffer a severe punishment. Allah is the Victorious, able to avenge.
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
in the past as guidance for mankind; He has (also) sent down the Quran. Those who disbelieve in Allah (God)'s signs will have severe torment- Allah (God) is Powerful, the Master of Retribution!
Samy Mahdy   
Aforetime, as guidance for the people; and He sent down the Criterion. Surely those who have disbelieved with Allah’s verses, for them a severe torment. And Allah is Mighty, possessor of revenge.
Sayyid Qutb   
before this as guidance for people. And He has revealed the Criterion (to distinguish the true from the false). Those who disbelieve in God's revelations shall endure grievous suffering. God is Mighty, able to requite.
Thomas Cleary   
Surely for those who reject the signs of God there is a torment most severe; and God is a mighty avenger.
Ahmed Hulusi   
As HUDA for people (to guide them to the reality, to show them the right path). He also revealed the Furqan (the ability to distinguish right from wrong, the good from the bad). Certainly, those who cover and deny the signs of Allah (the manifestations of His Names) will have severe suffering. Allah is the Aziz, the Zuntaqim (enforces the consequences of actions without any sympathy).
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
Aforetime, a guidance for people, and He sent down the Furqan. Verily those who disbelieve in the Signs of Allah, for them there is a severe chastisement and Allah is Mighty, the Lord of Retribution.
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
All Scriptures were revealed earlier in the spirit of truth in order to guide people into all truth yet people set themselves at variance to them. So there came the Quran that is the standard and the canon illuminating the intellect and imparting the soundness of judgement in the choice of means and ends and in the choice of what is morally good, honest and straightforward. It guides into illumination and enlightenment. Therefore, those who disregard Allah’s revelations and signs that He makes obvious to the senses, shall suffer grievously. Allah is Azizun (Almighty) He justly avenges His right
Mir Aneesuddin   
before, for the guidance of human beings. And He has sent down the distinction (between right and wrong, the Quran). Those who do not believe in the signs of Allah, for them there is certainly a severe punishment, and Allah is Mighty, the Inflictor of retribution.

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment be tween right and wrong). Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of God will suffer the severest penalty, and God is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution
OLD Literal Word for Word   
From Before (this), (as) guidance for the mankind. And (He) revealed the Criterion. Verily, those who disbelieve[d] in (the) Verses of Allah, for them (is) a punishment severe. And Allah (is) All-Mighty, All-Able (of) retribution
OLD Transliteration   
Min qablu hudan lilnnasi waanzala alfurqana inna allatheena kafaroo bi-ayati Allahi lahum AAathabun shadeedun waAllahu AAazeezun thoo intiqamin